by Elle E Kay
“You were only being kind.”
“Was I only being kind the night I kissed you after prom?”
“It was a pity kiss. You felt sorry for me when my date left with another girl.”
“Is that why you avoided me after that? You thought I pitied you?”
“I don’t know what you mean. I didn’t avoid you.”
“Yes, you did.” He turned her around to face him. “Did you honestly think I would kiss you out of pity?”
Her eyes welled up. “I did.”
He took both her hands in his and she tried to ignore the jolt of excitement his touch provoked. “Why would you think such a thing?”
She pulled her hands away. “Why wouldn’t I think it? That entire year I practically threw myself at you. I gave you every indication that I was interested in being more than friends, but you ignored my advances until that night.”
“That’s not fair.” He stood and stalked over to the railing. “One of us was always in another relationship. Whenever I was single, you were dating someone. The night I kissed you, I was with Carly. I’d already taken her home from prom when you called me crying. The next morning I went to her house and ended it with her so you and I could date, but you avoided me from that day forward. That kiss was a death knell for our friendship.”
“I didn’t want to give you a chance to tell me that your kiss meant nothing.”
“It meant everything to me, but I believed you avoided me because the head cheerleader couldn’t be seen with a chess club geek. I guess we both had our insecurities, but its ancient history now.”
“Yep.” Her stomach plummeted to the floor. She could’ve been dating Zach the entire last month of high school had she not been so fearful. Who knows where it might’ve led? “What are we doing here, Zach?”
“Following through on our pledge to each other.” He sauntered back over to her and looked into her eyes. “It’s not too late to back out, Addison. If you don’t want to be here, say the word and you’ll be forever free of me.”
“I don’t want to be free of you.” She swallowed hard and forced herself not to turn away from the intensity in his eyes. “I will not back out.” As crazy as this plan was, it would be crazier to ruin another chance at happiness with him.
“Are you sure you want this?”
How could she be sure? They hadn’t seen each other in years and she was planning to say ‘I do’ the following morning. She chose not to answer. Instead, she turned her gaze away from him. Maybe marrying him would turn out fine. She hoped so. Otherwise, she was making a huge mistake that could ruin both of their futures.
Addison sat on a stool and watched as Zach prepared a picnic dinner. He sliced cheese, cut up fruit, and added bread to the pack.
“I can’t believe you have a full kitchen in your tree house.” She twirled a piece of hair around her index finger. “Where are we going for our picnic?”
He stopped what he was doing and watched her a moment before answering. “There's a waterfall close to here. I thought you might enjoy seeing it.”
“I didn’t bring a raincoat.”
He laughed. “You won’t need one. It doesn’t always rain in the rain forest, but if the rain picks up, as warm as it is, it’ll feel good, and I promise you won’t melt.”
She rolled her eyes. He descended the rope ladder first, and waited, so he could catch her if she slipped. After she jumped the last two feet and was firmly planted on the ground, she peered up at him. “Why not get something more stable, maybe a wooden or aluminum ladder?”
“It’s a thought, but I kind of like things the way they are.”
“Humph.”
She could tell he was holding in a chuckle. Probably didn’t want to annoy the woman he was marrying in the morning.
The sun was setting when they arrived at the waterfall. Her eyes widened and she stared at the magnificent rushing water. “Wow.”
“My sentiments exactly.”
“I’ve seen nothing like it.”
“You’ve been to Niagara Falls.”
“It’s not the same, that whole area is built up and touristy, this is pure, unadulterated.”
He rested his hand on her shoulder and stared at the rushing water. “I’m fond of it.”
“Don’t you feel bad about having it all to yourself?”
“Sometimes, I do. Then I think about what they’ve done to other natural wonders and I’m glad it’s protected. I hope to find a way to share it, but in the meantime, the beauty will be preserved for future generations.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“There’s a flat rock over there. Follow me, and we’ll set up dinner.” He led the way and spread out the blanket he’d brought.
She stared at the blanket. “Won’t that get soaked?”
“With this material it won’t matter.”
She leaned down to touch the material and was surprised at its texture.
“The water will bead up and roll off.”
“If you say so.” She lowered herself onto the rock and helped him unpack their light dinner. “I’m glad you didn’t want a heavy meal. I’m too nervous to eat much.”
“There’s nothing to be nervous about. I’ll treat you well. I promise.”
“I know that. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do.”
She silently thanked God for the meal. A gentle mist sprayed her face while she picked at her food. The view was amazing, but as beautiful as the waterfall was, she found herself drawn to the sounds of the rain forest: tropical birds screeching overhead and water crashing loudly against the rocks. It was peaceful in Zach’s paradise. Any woman would be blessed to spend time with such a handsome man in this wild and beautiful place, but she couldn’t understand why he’d picked her. The man could have almost any woman he wanted. Why choose her? There wasn’t anything special about Addison Scott.
Zach’s stomach tightened into a hard knot as he watched Addison pick at her food.
How could he be sure she wanted to be here with him when she was so unreadable? He was certain his plan would work out perfectly one instant, but the next minute he thought she’d run away if he so much as turned his head. If she had misgivings, he wanted to hear them, and he’d told her as much, but she wasn’t sharing her feelings.
“You don’t seem interested in your food. Want to pack up and go have some fun?”
“It’s getting dark out here.”
“I’ll keep my promise to have you home by midnight.”
“You’re making me feel like Cinderella.”
“I wouldn’t ask you to cook and clean.”
“I don’t mind household chores, Zach.”
“I didn’t say you couldn’t cook and clean if you wanted to, I said I wouldn’t ask you to. Besides, you fit more into the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast.”
“Does that make you a beast?” She laughed.
“Maybe, but I was thinking more of her affinity for books and libraries. Wait until you see the library at my place, you’ll be in heaven.”
He cherished the dreamy look in her eyes, but it soon faded away, and apprehension once again took its place. “I’m surprised you remember that movie.”
“Your sister watched it every day for a year. How could I forget it?”
“True enough. It’s burned into my brain.”
“So which are you? Cinderella or Belle?” He leaned away from her, so he could study her as she answered.
“Belle, I think. I enjoy thinking of you as my beast, but tonight I guess I’m Cinderella with the whole midnight thing.”
He scooted closer to her and held her gaze. “I’m not a beast, Addison, but if that’s how you see me, I’m glad you’re my Belle.”
She didn’t respond. “What if you were to lose everything? Then, I’ll bet you’d expect me to cook and clean like Cinderella.”
“If I were to lose everything, I’d be the same Zach you’ve always known, and I’m capable
of cooking and cleaning, although I’d be grateful for your help.”
“Then it’s a good thing I don’t mind housework.”
He studied her for a moment. “Would you leave me if I lost everything?”
“What a dumb thing to ask. You know me better than that. How can you even insinuate that I’d marry you for the money?” Her expressive brown eyes bored into his with an intensity he didn’t quite fathom. He sensed she needed something from him, but he couldn’t discern what that might be.
She stood on the deck of the tree house and stared at the barely visible zip line, shaking her head. “No way am I zip lining in the dark.”
“It might be fun, but it wasn’t what I had in mind for tonight. Let’s do that tomorrow.”
“You want me to go zip lining on our wedding day?”
“Definitely.”
She grimaced. “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll try it.”
“I like that about you.”
“What?”
“That you’re willing to try new things even when you’re scared.”
“Who says I’m scared?”
“I can see the fear in your eyes.” He disappeared for a few minutes, and she took the opportunity to enjoy the dense jungle surrounding her. It smelled like wet earth and flowers. Taking a deep breath of the moist air, she listened to the chorus of frogs and insects. Everything about the rain forest at night seemed magical.
Soon music came through unseen speakers. When he returned, he held his arms out to her. “Will you dance with me, Addison Scott?”
She stepped into his embrace. “I won’t be Addison Scott much longer, will I?”
“No. Tomorrow morning you’ll be Mrs. Zachary Williams.”
“It sounds posh and snobbish.”
He chuckled, and she could feel the vibrations from his laugh. Being close to Zach felt nice, but it seemed too good to be true. If he wanted to marry her, he had to have a hidden agenda even if she couldn’t figure out what that might be. Marrying her billionaire buddy wouldn’t be a hardship by any means, but what if his motives weren’t pure? Not that she could imagine anything he might want from her since she had nothing to offer. So, she hoped against hope that everything was as it seemed.
She let herself relax into the dance and moved to the music following his lead.
One dance turned into another, and he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I’m glad we’re doing this.”
“Dancing?” She gazed up into his sparkling blue eyes.
“Getting married.”
She gave a slight shrug. “I wish I had your confidence.”
“There is nobody in the world I would rather take this leap with.”
“I find that hard to believe, Zach.”
“What made you so cynical, Addison?”
She ignored his question, but edged closer to him. If he was going to dance with her, she intended to enjoy every second of the experience. The rain picked up, but he made no move to go inside. When the next song started, she stared into his eyes. “Shouldn’t we get out of the weather?”
“No. We shouldn’t.” He grinned, but didn’t break eye contact. “We have little time left, Cinderella. Let’s make tonight memorable. How many times have you danced in the rain?”
“This is my first.”
His eyes traveled to her lips, and she looked away feeling suddenly uncomfortable. It was more than she’d expected. He was treating this like a real romance. It would be wise to back out now, but she couldn’t bring herself to walk away from him.
Zach didn’t want the night to end. Holding Addison in his arms on the deck of his tree house in paradise felt wonderful, and he wanted the moment to last forever. The way she fit in his arms, made him feel like she was designed just for him. He twirled her around and she smiled, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Something in her eyes remained guarded despite his efforts to reassure her they would be great together. He didn’t doubt that she’d stand beside him tomorrow morning and say ‘I do,’ but he was wondering if she wanted to be his wife or if some sense of duty was behind the choice. Maybe for her this was about getting older and worrying that she wouldn’t find her Mr. Right in time to start a family. That he could definitely understand. It was part of what prompted him to contact her.
He dipped her, and she giggled. Seeing her smile made everything feel right. It might take time, but he intended to prove to her that he was the man she needed, and that she could count on him.
The rain soaked them, but he kept dancing brushing off her initial protests. Before long, she relaxed and seemed to enjoy herself.
“It’s time to head back, Cinderella.”
“Is it getting late, already?”
“It is, and I promised you I’d have you home by midnight.”
“Maybe we should find out if I will turn into a pumpkin.”
“It was the carriage that changed, princess.”
“That’s true.”
“I’m confident the quad won’t turn into a pumpkin, but I should still get you back.” He kept dancing and didn’t release her.
“That will be difficult to do while dancing.” She pulled out of his arms, but her smile seemed genuine.
“I’m not ready for the night to end.”
“Me neither.”
He headed down the rope ladder first and waited at the bottom for her to join him. Taking her hand in his, he led her to the quad which blended into the dark jungle. “Hang on tight. I don’t want to lose you in the dark.”
“Don’t worry. I will.”
His muscles contracted as her delicate fingers grasped his waist. If they weren’t getting married, she would be his undoing for sure. He smiled as he felt the ring on her left hand. It was a short engagement, but she was his fiancé. Tomorrow morning, Addison Scott would finally belong to him. It had been a long time since his first crush on her in fifth grade, but she continued to hold his interest, and soon she’d be his.
Chapter 4
S oaking wet and laughing, they jumped off the ATV and ran toward the house. Addison shivered when they walked into the air-conditioned living space.
“We made it in the nick of time, Cinderella.” Zach grinned.
“Less than a minute to spare.” She shivered again, and he tugged on her hand. “Come on. Let’s get you dry.”
“I should probably go to my room and change.” She started down the hall, but turned back to face him. “I’ll be back.”
Five minutes later, she joined him in the living room after changing into capris and a t-shirt.
He patted the couch, and she settled in beside him, curling her feet under her. “Did you have a nice time today?”
“I did. It was nice catching up.”
“That’s something you say to someone you don’t plan on seeing again. Is there something I should know? Are you having second thoughts?”
“I’m having third thoughts and fourth thoughts, but I’m not leaving unless you want me to go.”
“That’s a relief.”
“You keep asking me if I trust you, but it’s clear you don’t trust me.”
“I have serious trust issues.”
“Clearly. I think it’s the tenth time you’ve asked me if I want to back out.”
“You’re exaggerating.” He grinned.
“Only slightly.”
“Do you want to watch television?”
“Not really. We should probably get some sleep.”
“We should, but I’m too wound up to sleep.”
“Me too.” She rested her head against the sofa. “I’m crazy nervous. I always thought I’d marry for love after a long courtship and engagement.”
“Same here.”
“So, why are we doing this?”
“Time is short. I’ve wasted more than enough of it with the dating scene. I want a family, Addison. I know you do too.”
She swallowed. His reasons were sound. It was fine to marry for practicality’s sake. It didn�
��t have to be a love match. Love could grow, couldn’t it? They weren’t short on physical attraction. At least not on her end. Just being near him caused the butterflies in her stomach to do a polka. She wasn’t sure if he found her attractive or not. Maybe that kiss in high school wasn’t a pity kiss, but it had been a long time since high school, and she was no longer a perky cheerleader.
He grinned like he’d read her mind. “Milk and cookies?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
They entered the kitchen, and Zach got out the Oreos and set them out on the breakfast bar. He poured them each a glass of milk before pulling a stool out for her. She hopped up on it and dunked her first cookie. For the next ten minutes, they sat side by side eating their cookies and milk. If she didn’t want to exacerbate her blood sugar problems, she’d have to be sure they didn’t make the childhood ritual a regular habit, but it was fun to revert to old times for a moment.
Zach wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I don’t know if you heard the weather reports, but we should be safe here if the hurricane stays on its current track.”
“Back up. A hurricane? How would I hear anything, I’ve been with you all day?” She shook her head. “When did you find out about this?”
“Shortly after we landed, while you were in your room changing.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Don’t stress over it. Stay calm.”
She shook her head. “Don’t tell me to be calm when there’s a hurricane coming.”
“It’s not supposed to hit for another two days and it should miss us entirely.”
“Humph.” She pushed her chair out and stood.
He blew out a breath. “We have plenty of time to decide what to do.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” She paced back and forth.
“I’m sorry.” He frowned. “I should’ve told you immediately.”
She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “Are we in danger?”
“I don’t think so.” He drummed his fingers on the table. “We can decide how to proceed in the morning. If after the wedding, the reports suggest it might veer our way, and we think it’s not safe to stay here, we can leave the island with the guests and staff.”